Magnet Network Live: A New Era of Collaboration
Magnet, housed at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), recently hosted an event that redefined the standard for professional gatherings.
Magnet Network Live (MNL), held across eight venues in Toronto’s vibrant Distillery District, welcomed a wide array of experts, partners, and thought leaders across sectors, all focused on shaping the future of work. Designed by Magnet, TMU’s Innovation Centre for the future of work, the summit aimed to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, creating a collaborative space for innovators to connect, share insights, and tackle emerging challenges head-on, with attendees eager to participate in a truly unique, engagement-driven format.
Breaking the Mold: A New Format for Real Collaboration
MNL prioritized dynamic, immersive formats that fostered genuine collaboration and idea-sharing. The summit featured more than 40 notable speakers (full list can be found here), including Vivienne Ming, renowned for her pioneering work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential, and Duke Redbird, a respected elder from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Industry experts were invited into local businesses, transformed into dynamic venues, and encouraged to dive deep into discussions, generating actionable insights and solutions in real-time.
MNL’s inviting atmosphere was supported by the diverse talents of seven different local musical groups and soloists. The engaging environment encouraged diverse voices to connect over key topics, fostering a collaborative energy that attendees found both refreshing and inspiring. “The Magnet team did what they do best,” said Patrick Makenzie of IECBC. “They brought Canada’s leading policy and technology innovators for two days of conversation, collaboration, and forward thinking. Canada is at an inflection point and we need more organizations like Magnet who understand the complexity of the world, and have faith in people to work together to find meaningful solutions.”
Many of Canada’s most influential voices in the future of work conversation attended, and were interviewed as part of a live recording for Magnet’s upcoming Future of Work Master Series podcast hosted by Maggie John and Emily Madden, with guest host Jeremy Strachan. These segments offered attendees a deeper look at how voices from different fields are converging to tackle Canada’s workforce challenges.
“It was as if Magnet the organization came alive” said Darian Kovacs, an Indigenous business leader from Vancouver B.C., “with the technology they used, the way they connected people, the way they celebrated the diversity of our country, and the fact that all of us still have more questions than answers when it comes to education and the future.”
Another standout was a keynote performance by Juno award-winning singer/songwriter Jully Black, who brought a powerful cultural and artistic dimension to the summit. Known for her deep commitment to community and social justice, Black’s performance underscored Magnet and TMU’s dedication to inclusion and the role of creative industries in a holistic view of the future of work.
Celebrating TMU’s Unique Approach to Community Building
The closing ceremony of MNL placed TMU at the heart of the celebration, showcasing its leadership in innovation, community building, and strategic alliances. The atmosphere was electric, alive with energy as attendees mingled and shared reflections, witnessing TMU’s pivotal role as a catalyst for transformative change.
Dr. Steven Liss, TMU’s Vice President of Research and Innovation, set the tone with insightful reflections on the summit’s purpose. He emphasized the critical role of Magnet and underscored the importance of technology and deep domain expertise in enabling the work of organizations represented in the room. “Over the past two days, Magnet has demonstrated its role as a catalyst for collaborative innovation and inclusive growth. Together, we’ve explored bold ideas and solutions to shape the future of work,” Liss said. As he spoke, he painted a compelling picture of the future—one in which strategic innovation and technological advancement empower communities, industries, and institutions to drive meaningful impact together.
Following Dr. Liss’s words, leaders from seven of TMU’s strategic initiatives—the Dais, the Diversity Institute, the DMZ, CERIC, Cybersecure Catalyst, the Future Skills Centre, and Magnet—took the stage, sharing inspiring stories and pioneering projects that exemplified the university’s extensive reach across diverse sectors. Each leader’s presentation reflected TMU’s mission in action, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful, enduring partnerships and vibrant communities of change-makers.
Special guest emcee, Bell Media’s Bakari Savage, infused the room with his dynamic presence, weaving together the accomplishments of the day and underscoring TMU’s profound contributions and the collective vision shared by all in attendance.
In a culminating toast, TMU President Dr. Mohamed Lachemi addressed the audience, celebrating Magnet’s 10-year anniversary and the university’s enduring leadership in innovation and strategic collaboration. His words sparked a collective sense of possibility and purpose, resonating across the room.
In true MNL spirit, confetti rained down on guests as they exchanged final goodbyes to the music of a seven-piece band. Smiles filled the room, celebrating not only what had been achieved but also the launch pad created for Magnet and TMU’s future endeavors. The closing ceremony left a clear message of TMU’s continued dedication to fostering collaboration, community, and a visionary future of work.